Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I feel like a first time father...

I mean, my blood has been here for just a little over 5 days, and I'm starting to act a bit paranoid... She's the first blood I've ever had, so I really don't know what to expect.

She's about 18", and I'm currently keeping her in a 13" x 24" 15" terrarium (is it too large for her???). Temp and humidity ok.

The first day she was here she bit me twice, but she hasn't tried to do it again (nevertheless now I do everything with gloves, hehe). I guess this might be a sign that she's a bit more relaxed.

I know they are nocturnal, but I was wondering, what's the regular daytime activity level? Because mine hardly moves during the day, and she'll stay in the exact same position for hours. Is this normal?

Well, I guess that´s all for now. I'll try to feed her this weekend, see how everything goes... Thanks!

Benjamin

Howdie!!
I know the "New Father Feel" My Blood name Socrates doesn't really do anything during the day. As a matter of fact, Doesn't do anything while being watched. I use a Small 10 Gal Tank, and it is a little on the large size. I have noticed, that my blood does not move too much, We have watched whole movies with Socrates sitting on our laps or wrapped around our neck. The most movement I have ever seen from Socrates was when he decided to play in my hair.

When Handling, Move slowly and lift from the bottom.. Don't pinch and find out where the head is before you reach for them. I use Aspen bedding for Socrates and he buries himself in it. Only his nose sticks out. What I typically do is brush the bedding off slowly and gently, and then walk my fingers down the thick part of his body until I can get a finger underneath. never approach face first. I have never been bitten by Socrates yet.

Hope this helps.

Windwalker

Hi!

Thanks a lot! I was a bit nervous about her not moving. I am used to handling ball pythons, and so far my blood has been quite different from them, I guess that's why I freaked a bit.

Thanks again!

Benjamin

they are ambush predators like a gaboon viper. In the wild they sit still and wait for prey to come to them. I put about three inches or more of compact mulch in my bloods cage and she makes little tunnels underground, never really coming to the surface. If you pick up her hide and her water bowl, you can see a little network of tunnels going between them. Seems to work for her anyway.

Hey,
Typically bloods and short-tails will lie dormant during the day with very little movement noticed. They become quite alert and active during twilight and evening hours, as this is when feeding and other activity for bloods begins. They are ambush predators and you will see why when feeding them while buried in their mulch or aspen and even newspaper when they come charging out when presented with food. A hit from a blood or short-tail is a very painful one and one you won't easily forget. LOL!
-Angel
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In life you can fall many times, but you're only a failure, if you don't try to get back up!
Evil Canevil